Vice premier Li Lanqing has called the 1999 International Horticulture Exposition a success saying the event was the largest world exposition ever held in China.

Li made the speech at a meeting praising the organizing committee before the closing ceremony of the Expo, which opened on May 1 in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

China built the Expo site in less than three years, a task which would usually take five to six years to complete in other countries, Li said, adding that the Expo has greatly benefited international exchange and horticulture.

The 218-hectare Expo site, located four kilometers away from Kunming, featured rare species of plants, flowers, and an array of gardens from some 70 countries.

Over ninety international organizations participated in the event. More than 9.3 million tourists poured through the Expo site in the last six months, achieving the goal of attracting 8-10 million visitors.

A "Special Week" of activities at the Expo featured more than 50 international seminars.

"Man and Nature Marching Into The 21st century", was the theme of the Expo and expressed China's pledge to protect the environment, promote the development of gardening exhibitions and activities and educate people to love and protect nature.

Li Lanqing said China is facing serious ecological problems. He stressed the importance of striking a balance between environment protection and economical development. Li praised organizers of the Expo and their plan to turn the Expo site into a permanent garden.

The plan to extend the Expo for another six months has been approved by the Expo organizing committee.